Wild Hearts operates a comprehensive unpaid internship program for college students and recent graduates looking to gain experience in the animal husbandry industry. Since 2015, interns from Miami University, Wright State, Ohio State, Sinclair, University of Dayton, Ball State, Cincinnati State, Otterbein, Indiana University East, Northern Michigan University, Cedarville University, and more have accumulated over 16,000 hours of hands-on internship experience with us. Whether you are interested in becoming a zookeeper, rancher, conservation officer, game warden, naturalist, animal behaviorist, vet tech, veterinarian or wildlife biologist, this internship will help prepare you for an exciting and rewarding career. You’ll work directly with birds, mammals, and reptiles of all kinds from both our African Farm and our Mobile Petting Zoo. Additionally, you’ll have the opportunity to participate in our educational programs and learn to deliver entertaining and engaging facts while handling an animal in front of an audience. Internships are a minimum of 300 hours, but many interns choose to earn additional hours. You’ll be scheduled a minimum of 3/mornings-early afternoons a week for 12-16 weeks so that you can will have flexibility around your school and work schedules. This internship is hard work and educational! You’ll be cleaning enclosures indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions, preparing food, providing enrichment, keeping detailed records, shoveling, trimming nails, pulling weeds, weighing animals, lifting feed bags, getting muddy…but most importantly you’ll be sharing an incredible experience with some of our amazing animals while working towards your career goals! Wild Hearts does not currently offer on-site housing, however we have a limited number of local host families that have rooms for rent at your expense. Out out-of-area interns may also be interested in staying at one of our local hotels or bed & breakfasts for the duration of their internship at their own expense.

TO APPLY:

and email to amanda@wildheartsafricanfarm.org.

Applications are accepted year-round. We will interview and hire as we receive applications.

Wild Hearts is a 501c3 non-profit.

The team at Wild Hearts African Farm is spectacular! On my recent visit, I was able to see their passion, fire and love for the animals. They are experts focused on educating the community about the need for conservation work both locally and globally. During my tour with the owner, I was educated on the importance of wildlife conservation, and was able to get up close with many fascinating animals while learning much about their environments. The farm property is beautifully landscaped and manicured with plenteous acreage for future development. Their internship program provides valuable experience for college students seeking comprehensive experience in animal husbandry. It is an exquisite educational location, a perfect recreational setting, a conservation park, a farm, a sanctuary – it is all of the above. Truly breathtaking! It is a must see!